CDC Gives the Green Light for Test Cruises Out of Florida

The cruising industry has been one of the last industries to return to business following the start of the pandemic, with the Center for Disease Control placing strict restrictions on when and how cruise ships can begin sailing again.

Disney Wish ©Disney

Now, it looks like cruise lines may be one huge step closer to coming back, thanks to an approval from the C.D.C. for Carnival Cruises to begin test trips.

According to Orlando Sentinel, these test cruises would take place out of Port Canaveral and Miami in the state of Florida, as well as Galveston, Texas. These test trips would include volunteer passengers to see how COVID protocol would be implemented on cruise ships.

©Carnival Cruise Line

If a cruise line wishes to bypass the test trip phase, they must commit to sailing with 98% of its crew and 95% of its passengers vaccinated. With the COVID-19 vaccine still not approved for children ages 11 and under, family-friendly companies like Carnival and Disney Cruise Line are unlikely to be able to skip this test trip phase for now.